How to Hardwire Your Brain for Happiness

By slowing down and enjoying the good times, you can help reinforce positive brain waves.

learn more about Lewis Howes

By Lewis Howes

Shutterstock

This story originally appeared on Lewis Howes

The more I learn about the brain, the more fascinated I am by it.

Things I used to think were just a mystery (like what makes us happy and what makes us sad), I'm now learning are totally controllable.

So, I was really excited to talk to one of the leading neuroscience psychologists in the field today.

Dr. Rick Hanson has written multiple bestselling books about how to actually hardwire our brains to stay in the positive side of thought and feeling, which is something I'm always looking to bring to The School of Greatness.

In our conversation, I kept asking him questions related to my own experiences with emotional intelligence, positive thought, and the power we have to shift ourselves out of negative emotions and thought patterns.

Everything Rick shared with me confirmed my own experience and what I've learned from other experts.

What I especially loved learning was how important it is to slow down and consciously enjoy the good times (something I have struggled with in the past), because it actually helps reinforce those positive brain waves in the hardwiring of our brains.

This is just one gem I picked up from my fascinating interview with brain genius Dr. Rick Hanson in Episode 207.

Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn

In this episode, you will learn:

  • How the hard wiring of our brains affects us
  • Why having good experiences constantly in romantic relationships is so important to keep them healthy
  • The enjoy-ability of an experience is an important signal to your brain to slow down and value the good
  • What causes lasting change in behavior and mindset
  • We can learn certain important things only through negative experiences
  • The importance of acknowledging the good in your life (and not just the bad)
  • The feeling of a reward is much more powerful than just the idea of one
Lewis Howes

New York Times Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Coach

Lewis Howes is a New York Times bestselling author of The School of Greatness and The Mask of Masculinity. He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, high performance business coach and keynote speaker. A former professional football player and two-sport All-American, he is a current USA Men’s National Handball Team athlete. He hosts a top 100 iTunes ranked Apple podcast, The School of Greatness. Howes was recognized by the White House and President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30. Details magazine called him one of “5 Internet Guru’s that can Make You Rich.”  Howes has been featured on Ellen, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The New York Times, People, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health and other major media outlets.

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

Everyone Wants to Get Close to Their Favorite Artist. Here's the Technology Making It a Reality — But Better.
The Highest-Paid, Highest-Profile People in Every Field Know This Communication Strategy
After Early Rejection From Publishers, This Author Self-Published Her Book and Sold More Than 500,000 Copies. Here's How She Did It.
Having Trouble Speaking Up in Meetings? Try This Strategy.
He Names Brands for Amazon, Meta and Forever 21, and Says This Is the Big Blank Space in the Naming Game
Travel

6 Secret Tools for Flying First Class (Without Paying Full Price)

It's time to reimagine upgrading. Here's how to fly first class on every flight, business or personal.

Business News

These Are the Most and Least Affordable Places to Retire in The U.S.

The Northeast and West Coast are the least affordable, while areas in the Mountain State region tend to be ideal for retirees on a budget.

Business News

TikTok Influencer Reveals She Makes $350,000 a Month on OnlyFans. 'Absolutely Unreal.'

When Tara Lynn promoted her OnlyFans page on TikTok, she saw her income more than double.

Science & Technology

Creators Shouldn't Overlook These Powerful Uses for AI Like ChatGPT

Tools like ChatGPT can be like an extra pair of hands (or three) for creators — but they come with important caveats.

Business News

I Live on a Cruise Ship for Half of the Year. Look Inside My 336-Square-Foot Cabin with Wraparound Balcony.

I live on a cruise ship with my husband, who works on it, for six months out of the year. Life at "home" can be tight. Here's what it's really like living on a cruise ship.